Arlington was in competition with Milwaukee for the project. The organization is currently headquartered in the Milwaukee suburb of Greendale, WI. "The Texas Enterprise Fund award was a critical factor in our decision," says Kevin Dornberger, USBC COO. "Relocating our headquarters to Arlington will provide a business climate that will be invaluable in helping us achieve our future goals for the sport."
The Arlington City Council is expected to vote on an estimated $225,000 in local incentives next month. According to Arlington economic development manager Robert Sturns, the city will also seek State Enterprise Zone Project designation, which could provide additional state incentives up to $300,000. "This project is a direct result of some very strong partnerships," says Sturns. "This is a great win for the state, city and entire region."
Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck says creation of an international bowling campus in the city enhances the city's opportunity to showcase its thriving Entertainment District and tourism industry. The proposed project site is across the street from Six Flags Over Texas and about three blocks east of Rangers' Ballpark, home of the Texas Rangers baseball team. It is also about six blocks east of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium set to open in 2009.
The move is part of USBC's alliance with the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, which is headquartered in Arlington and owns the property slated for the USBC project. "The creation of an international bowling campus at such a high-profile location will provide the opportunity to showcase bowling to the world that doesn't exist at the present location," says USBC president Jeff Boje. "After carefully considering the facts, including taking into account the long history of USBC and its predecessors in the Milwaukee area, the board came to the conclusion that it was in USBC's best interests to join with BPAA in Arlington, creating an international bowling campus."
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